Dr. Shawn Simek, MD

Dr. Shawn Simek, MD is a Cardiology specialist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Cardiovascular care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Simek is deeply committed to preventive health strategies. His practice philosophy is rooted in collaboration, understanding that your cardiologist is your primary partner in preventing heart disease and stroke, collaborating with you to create a long-term health plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage cardiovascular risk factors for a lifetime of wellness. He serves all ages, focusing on proactive health and risk reduction, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (352) 265-0820 to schedule.

With over 5 years of dedicated experience in Cardiovascular care, Dr. Simek brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2016 and is Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. As a clinical assistant professor in the division of cardiovascular medicine, his interests extend to non-invasive cardiac imaging for diagnosis and evaluating the progression of valvular heart disease and coronary artery disease. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and he is passionate about helping others, as evidenced by his early desire to pursue a medical career. Dr. Simek provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Shawn Simek is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Shawn Simek can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Shawn Simek provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Hyperlipidemia: Don't let high cholesterol sneak up on you—hyperlipidemia often has no symptoms, so regular blood tests are vital for early detection and prevention.
• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: CTEPH develops when blood clots restrict blood flow in the lungs, resulting in dangerously high blood pressure; thus, addressing blood clot prevention lowers your risk significantly.
• Arrhythmias: Early detection of arrhythmias is key to preventing long-term heart damage and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm.
• Pericardial Disease: Preventive care, including managing underlying conditions, helps reduce your chances of developing pericardial disease and its associated complications, like heart failure.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a serious heart rhythm disorder, but prompt treatment and preventative measures can help avoid its severe consequences.
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications like stroke or heart failure.
• Unstable Angina: Unstable angina is a serious warning sign of potential heart attack, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate medical attention to prevent a life-threatening event.
• Hypertension: Don't let high blood pressure put your heart at risk; proactive management through diet, exercise, and medication, if needed, can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.
• Aortic Valve Disease: Preventing serious consequences from aortic valve disease relies on identifying and addressing it early, often through routine screenings and lifestyle changes.
• Acute Coronary Syndrome: Acute Coronary Syndrome is a time-sensitive medical event, emphasizing the need for proactive cardiovascular health management to lessen the likelihood of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
• Constrictive Pericarditis: Constrictive pericarditis, a condition causing the heart to be squeezed, highlights the importance of recognizing and managing symptoms promptly to avoid serious heart complications.
• Heart Attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of your heart is blocked, causing damage; preventing heart disease through lifestyle changes and regular checkups significantly reduces your risk.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Shawn Simek offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cardiac Catheterization (incl. Coronary Angiography): This procedure involves a thin tube inserted into your blood vessels to visualize your heart and coronary arteries, helping identify potential problems before they cause serious symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Cardiac Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: To proactively safeguard your heart health, a myocardial perfusion imaging test provides detailed pictures of your heart's blood flow, aiding in the early diagnosis of blockages that could lead to serious cardiovascular events.
• Cardioversion: If you experience irregular heartbeats, cardioversion is a treatment option that can help restore a normal rhythm and improve your long-term cardiovascular health.
• Vascular Duplex Ultrasonography and Plethysmography: To proactively safeguard your heart health, consider a vascular duplex ultrasound and plethysmography; this non-invasive scan helps identify blockages or other issues in your arteries and veins before they become major problems.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked arteries in your heart, improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Thrombolysis: By dissolving blood clots that block blood flow to your heart or brain, thrombolysis is a life-saving treatment that can dramatically reduce the severity and long-term effects of heart attacks and strokes.
• Cardiac Catheterization with Robotic Assist: To proactively safeguard your heart health, this advanced procedure uses robotic assistance for a precise examination of your heart's arteries, helping identify and address potential problems before they become serious.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This heart screening uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, allowing doctors to assess its health, detect abnormalities early on, and implement preventative measures.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Take charge of your heart health with an EKG—a quick, painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other abnormalities that could lead to life-threatening conditions.
• Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of Heart or Chest: A cardiac MRI is a detailed scan of your heart and chest that helps detect early signs of heart disease, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious problems later.
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation: An automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a proactive step to protect your heart by detecting and correcting dangerously irregular heartbeats that could cause sudden cardiac arrest.
• Peripheral Artery Catheterization: By assessing the blood vessels in your legs and feet, a peripheral artery catheterization helps identify circulation issues early on, preventing severe health problems and promoting proactive heart health management.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Cardiology in Florida.

Dr. Shawn Simek is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular blood tests and following a heart-healthy diet, a patient proactively managed their hyperlipidemia, reducing their risk of future cardiovascular issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively managing blood clot risk factors, a patient significantly reduced the chance of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, gaining peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Cardiovascular care with Dr. Shawn Simek:

What is a Cardiologist, and when should I see one?

A cardiologist is a medical expert specializing in the heart and blood vessels. You should see a cardiologist if you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a family history of heart disease, or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that need expert management.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Shawn Simek?

Your first visit with Dr. Simek will be a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. We will review your medical and family history, conduct a physical exam, obtain an EKG, and discuss lifestyle and risk factors. This is the first step in creating a personalized heart health plan for you.

What are the most important things I can do to prevent a heart attack?

Taking control of your cardiovascular health is within your reach. Knowing and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, regular physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet are key preventive steps. By taking these actions, you can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack. Our practice is here to support you every step of the way.

What is a TAVR procedure?

TAVR, or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, is a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR uses a catheter, leading to a much faster recovery for eligible patients.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when listening to the heart. Many murmurs are innocent and harmless; Dr. Simek is an expert at determining the cause, often using an echocardiogram to see if the murmur is related to a heart valve problem that needs monitoring or treatment.

What is a pacemaker, and who needs one?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It's needed when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working correctly, ensuring the heart beats at a proper, steady rate.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. You walk on a treadmill while your EKG and blood pressure are monitored. This non-invasive test helps identify potential blockages in your coronary arteries.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means the heart isn't pumping blood as efficiently as it should, not that it has stopped working. It's a chronic condition that can be managed. Dr. Simek will work with you to use medications and lifestyle changes to improve heart function and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling.

4037 NW 86th Ter
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-0820

Dr. Shawn Simek, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1487016929

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Cardiology like Dr. Shawn Simek are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your cardiology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.